Supporting means for fermentation tubes and the like



June 14, 1932. COMER 1,863,297 I SUPPORTING MEANS FOR FERMENTATION TUBES AND THE LIKE Filed Aug. 20, 1950 Patented June 14, 1932 UNTTED STATES PATENT OFFICE SUPPORTING MEANS FOR FERMENTATION TUBES AND THE LIKE Application filed August 20, 1930. Serial No. 476,528.

The invention relates to improvements in supporting means for fermentation tubes and the like. The object is to provide improved means for disengageable connection with fermentation tubes, tests tubes or similar containers, for supporting the same both individually and collectively, and, when supported collectively, so that said tubes or containers may be assembled in the smallest .possible space.

The especial purpose of the invention is to facilitate the assembling, supporting and transporting of said containers for the heating or incubation process. The heating may be applied by the usual heating ovens, by electric heating devices or otherwise.

In accordance with the now common practice, the fermentation tubes are made of glass and are provided with bases connected to the tube by an integral stem. Such devices are diflicult to make a large percentage is broken in the manufacture and in transportation, and a further large percentage is broken during use in the laboratories. They are easily upset and occupy a relatively large amount of space in the incubating ovens.

In accordance with the present invention, the integral tubes may be made without supporting bases, and the separable individual supporting devices are easily associated with the tubes, hold the same firmly, are not easily upset, are easily disassociated from the tubes, and are practically indestructible.

The common supporting device for disengageable association with the individual supporting devices is also readily associated and disassociated with the individual supporting devices, is adapted to hold the individual sup porting devices with their tubes or containers, in compact formation, that is, so as to occupy a minimum of space. These common supporting devices may be readily moved to and from heating zones in connection with the incubation process. These common supporting devices are also practically indestructible and may be subjected to the necessary temperatures without danger of injury.

The said glass tubes or containers, such as fermentation tubes, may, in accordance with 50 the present invention, be made without supporting bases and, as the supporting devices cost very little to make, a very great saving is secured.

Referring to the drawing which illustrates merely by way of example a suitable embodiment of my invention Fig. 1 is a view in perspective of an individual supporting device with a fermentation tube removably secured thereto.

Fig. 2 is a part vertical section and part elevation of same.

Fig. 3 is a. similar View in a plane at right angles to that of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a number of individual supporting devices with their tubes assembled with a common supporting device or carrier.

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal vertical section of same.

Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

The individual carrier or supporting device is preferably made of a suitable bright sheet metal having resilient quality, having the horizontal base 9 and the upright portion 10. Flanking the main upright portion 10 are the two hooks 11 curving slightly outwards at their free ends, as at 12, for facilitating their engagement with the side bars of the common support or carrier. At or near the top of the upright portion 10 are two wings 13 extending in parallel vertical planes over the base portion or plate 9. These wings are preferably curved outwardly at their free ends as at 14, and are spaced 7 apart, as to said outer ends, slightly less than the diameter of the tube, such as 15, with which they are adapted to engage. As these wings are quite resilient they will spread when the tube is forced between them and will then hold the tube firmly in place. The tube is engaged with or between the wings so that the base or the lowest portion of the tube will rest upon the base plate 9. The base plate or portion 9 is of ample dimensions to support its tube without danger of upsetting. The tube is easily engaged with, or removed from the resilient wings 13 as desired.

A frame 16, is made preferably in rectangular formation, of a single metal strip 17 with its free ends secured together as shown.

The frame is preferably oblong and the Width or lesser dimension is slightly greater than the length or greater dimension of the base portion 9 of the individual supporting device. The side extensions of the frame 16 are adapted to receive the hooks 11 of said individual supporting devices, and these individual supporting devices are placed'in staggered formation with alternate devices secured to the opposite side extensions of frame 16. This permits the bulb-like portions 18 of the fermentation tubes to lie or nest between the adjacent narrower vertical portions 15 of said tube. The adjacent base portions 9 overlap as shown in Fig. 5. This permits the compact assembly of the several individual carriers or supporting devices with their supportedtubes. This arrangement is especially effective in facilitating the introduction of the maximum number of tubes into the oven without danger of upsetting or breaking, and equally facilitates the withdrawal of same.

It will be understood that the individual supporting elements may be used separately or in any desired relationship with other devices, or they may be assembled in a common carrieror frame, such as 16. It will also be understood that various forms of tubes maybe used with the supporting devices.

What I claim is supporting portion lying in a horizontal plane, a vertical portion rising from the margin of the horizontal portion andprovided with a clip adjacent the lower end thereof for disengageable connection to a common supporting frame, the upper end of said vertical portion being reduced in width and provided with two substantially parallel horizontal arms for clamping the neck of the tube.

HARRIS COMER.

A tube engaging element having'a tube v 

